Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014

Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 (S. 2828, H.R. 5859) is a United States law introduced to the 113th Congress on September 16, 2014 to address pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine. Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 was sponsored by Senator Bob Menendez and co-sponsored by fourteen other senators.^[1] The bill was signed into law by U.S. President Barack Obama on December 18, 2014.^[2]

Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 is preceded by similar congressional bills, particularly Ukraine Support Act and Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014.

Provisions

The act envisages several provisions. In particular, it affirmed that "it is U.S. policy to assist the government of Ukraine in restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity in order to deter the government of the Russian Federation from further destabilizing and invading Ukraine and other independent countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia".^[3] The act also directed Barack Obama to impose "three or more specified sanctions" against three entities: Rosoboronexport, "an entity owned by the government of the Russian Federation or controlled by its nationals that transfers or brokers the transfer to, or knowingly manufactures or sells defense articles transferred to, Syria or into the territory of a specified country without its government's consent" or "a person (individual or entity) that knowingly sponsors or provides financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, such an entity".^[3]

References

1. "Cosponsors: S.2828 — 113th Congress (2013-2014)". United States Congress. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
2. "Statement by the President on the Ukraine Freedom Support Act". White House. December 18, 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
3. "S.2828 - Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014". United States Congress. Retrieved 31 January 2015.